 Governor Walz and state officials wrapped a series of statewide roundtables highlighting proposed federal health care cuts. From late March through late April, the state convened seven roundtable discussions connecting with people across Minnesota to discuss the harmful impacts federal cuts to Medicaid and health care funding would have on Minnesotans.
Congress is currently considering up to $880 billion in cuts nationwide to health care programing that benefits 1.3 million state residents. State estimates show that Minnesota could lose as much as $1.6 billion annually in federal support for health care programs that serve a wide swath of Minnesotans, including children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. Key congressional committees will be working on specific proposals over the next two weeks that will determine the concrete impacts to Minnesotans and all Americans.
“We need to make sure Congress does not ignore the impact of these cuts on real people,” said Governor Tim Walz. “This is not a partisan issue. This is about keeping a promise to our kids, our seniors, our workforce, and our citizens – that we will care for you when you need us most.”
 On Thursday, Governor Walz joined Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen to purchase his fishing license and highlight the impact of fishing on Minnesota’s outdoor recreation and tourism economies ahead of next week’s fishing opener in Crosslake.
"Minnesota’s fishing opener is special. It’s an exciting and important day for thousands of Minnesotans who are ready to kick off the season, and personally one of my favorite days of the year," said Governor Tim Walz. "I am thrilled to bring this longtime tradition to Crosslake."
 Also on Thursday, Governor Walz signed the Brady Aune and Joseph Anderson Safety Act bill into law, establishing safety requirements for aquatic plant management companies whose employees use scuba gear. The bill was proposed following the deaths of Aune and Anderson who drowned while performing lake weed removal using scuba equipment without proper training.
“Brady and Joseph were two remarkable young men whose tragic, preventable deaths are a stark reminder that workplace safety cannot be an afterthought,” said Governor Walz. “With this bipartisan legislation, we’re preventing future tragedies and making Minnesota a safer place to work. I applaud the strength, courage, and dedication of the families who have tirelessly advocated to ensure every Minnesotan who goes to work returns home safely.”
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